Read More

The thief drilled holes in the rear doors of the van, gaining access to more than £3,000 worth of electrical tools.

Glenn told the Birmingham Mail how he saw a roll of barrier tape on the ground before opening the van doors to find it empty - just minutes after the robber made his escape. The tool owner then went straight into the Co-Op and asked to see the CCTV footage.

"When I realised it came from my van I opened the doors and was gutted to see that everything had been taken. If it wasn't for the tape I would've driven off and not have known.

Read More

"I asked to see the CCTV straight away. It was horrible watching some little scumbag loading his car with my tools and there was nothing I could do about it either," he said.

In the footage, the Co-Op staff are heard suggesting that the 'scum of the earth' targeted his van for his tools, following him into the car park moments after he pulled in. They also say it's the first time anything like this has happened in the shop's car park.

After Glenn shared the footage on Facebook, hundreds of comments have flooded in, some claiming similar incidents have happened to them or their loved ones.

One comment read: "My husband's van was broken into on Monday at ASDA in Chelmsley Wood they took everything, within a few minutes all his tools worth thousands.

"My husband is also self-employed and took a long time to build up his decent tools. Sorry to see another victim, they are scum and I hope karma gets them."

Read More

West Midlands Police said they were called to the theft in Wylde Green at 11:20am and are now are appealing for any information regarding the incident.

A spokeswoman for the police said: "A van parked outside Co-op, Birmingham Road was broken into and tools were stolen from within. The thieves escaped in a blue Vauxhall Vectra.

"Van breaks cost hundreds of thousands in damages due to loss of tools and indirectly through loss of business, and we completely understand the devastating effect this type of theft has on hardworking people.

The police are urging anyone who recognises the culprits in the footage to contact Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

"Information may lead to a reward of up to £1,000," the police added.

Glenn, who is self-employed, said he has only been able to continue working due to the kindness and generosity of people lending him tools.